Happy Holidays!
As we celebrate a holiday season and new year, I am thankful for all our Escondido Charitable Foundation (ECF) members and friends who have contributed to making such a marvelous impact on our community in 2018.
This year, we celebrate having the highest number of new members in our history!
We have also reached another milestone in giving back.
ECF Board Chair Jacqueline M. Skay, Esq.
ECF members – in a mere 12 years and through the power of pooled philanthropy – have had an impact of more than $4.7 million on our beloved community of Escondido!
Lastly, we want to thank and congratulate our grantees who are truly making a difference in our community through their work.
Jacqueline M. Skay, Esq.
Board Chair, 2018-2020
2018 Grants Celebration & New Members
In September, ECF awarded $183,910 in grants at its 12th Annual Grants Celebration to six nonprofits that provide community arts and cultural programs in Escondido. Since 2006, ECF has granted more than $2.2 million to strengthen the community of Escondido since 2006.
In addition to our grantmaking efforts, we are delighted to have these community leaders join us in our efforts to make Escondido an even better place to live, work and play:
- Christopher Alto
- Dara Cerwonka
- Michael Donaldson
- Carla Dedominicis
- Brian and Shawna Gibbs
- Amanda McLean
- Margaret Moats
- Mary Beth and Royce Moore
- Michael and Michelle McGowen
- Myrna North
- Stephen Smith
- Dennis and Michelle Sullivan
- Richard Warren
- Carolyn and Tom West
- Woody Woodaman
- Barry and Lee Baker
- Hidden Valley Orthodontics
- Rorie Johnston
- Christine Moore
- Ildiko Demeter
- Robert Moore
- William and Wanda Smith
- Marilyn K. Herde*
- Dolores Swanger*
- Washtek, Inc.
- George and Cynthia Weir*
- Jeffrey and Lisa Hayden
- Jenna Novotny
- Kirk and Kim Henson
- Bill and Kimberly Cardoso
Grantee Spotlight: A Step Beyond
Through the generosity of ECF members, A Step Beyond has been able to expand our intensive youth mentoring family support program at Title 1 elementary schools. We admitted an additional cohort of 38 students in fall 2016 and have grown our overall program to serve 105 students.
A Step Beyond received a $20,000 grant from Escondido Charitable Foundation to provide structured programs of dance instruction for students in grades 3 through 12.
We have expanded our enrichment program offerings as well to include special experiences for our students, such as attendance at the Switchfoot BroAm Festival every summer for first-year students and a summer STEAM education and enrichment camp for any of students who can attend. The three-week long camp provides intensive dance training and a project-based learning curriculum.
The majority of our students have improved their grade point averages from one school year to the next.
The $20,000 grant from ECF served more than 100 children who are enrolled in the year-round A Step Beyond program and more than 2,000 third and fourth graders at seven local elementary schools who participated in a week of in-school dance classes.
The grant has also set the stage for us to invite an additional 35 to 40 students to join our program in 2018.
Frank Foster
Executive Director
A Step Beyond
13th Annual Grant Cycle: LOI Guidelines
Every year, ECF invites nonprofit organizations and agencies to submit proposals for initiatives that enhance Escondido through programs, activities and/or events that create connections, increase civic engagement to build a stronger community.
Research shows that youth, young adults and seniors who have meaningful, positive relationships in their lives have better mental and physical health outcomes; are more active in the community; are less likely to be involved in isolating behaviors; and feel an increased sense of belonging.
In addition, vibrant neighborhoods and community gatherings strengthen quality of life by creating opportunities for residents to participate in and support the common good. By focusing on these aspects of community life, the ECF Grant Cycle will help build a shared sense of community among Escondido residents.
Successful applications for the 2019 Grant Cycle will foster community participation and volunteerism, break down walls and silos that exist in the region, demonstrate collaboration and unite Escondido as a whole.
Eligible nonprofit organizations serving Escondido may submit proposals of $15,000 to $35,000.
The ECF Letter of Intent (LOI) is the first step in a two-step application process, which will facilitate the allocation of funding for Escondido-centered projects. ECF will evaluate all LOI submissions and qualify those that meet the program and eligibility criteria.
LOI Deadline: Monday, January 7, 2019 at 5:00pm
3 Ways to Increase Your Impact in 2018
We hope that you will encourage friends and neighbors to support our community through ECF.
Our mission is to preserve the quality of life, protect what is good and create a better future for Escondido, making Escondido a better place to live, work and play.
We’re wishing everyone an enjoyable holiday season and Happy New Year!
As 2018 nears its end and you finalize your year-end charitable giving decisions, please consider three ways to increase your impact in Escondido:
- Renew Your Membership Online
- Upgrade Your Membership Level
- Refer a Friend to Our Affiliate
